Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh assured the Sikkim government on Sunday that the Centre would ensure the security of National Highway 10, the lifeline of the landlocked State where essential commodities are running short because of the Gorkhaland protests in neighbouring West Bengal.
Mr. Singh called up Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling and discussed the situation in the State, especially in areas close to West Bengal.
“I assured him that the Centre will ensure the safety & security of NH-10 and do everything possible to save the people of the State from any misery,” he tweeted.
Mr. Singh also asked Home Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi to coordinate with the West Bengal government and ensure the security of, and smooth traffic on the National Highway, which connects Siliguri in West Bengal to Sikkim capital Gangtok.
According to reports, traffic was affected between Siliguri and Gangtok after drivers of West Bengal-registered vehicles stopped plying to Sikkim. Last week, some trucks registered in Sikkim were vandalised in Siliguri.
The incidents of violence started after Mr. Chamling backed the demand for Gorkhaland and wrote to the Union Home Ministry, arguing that it was justified and long-pending.
